At $36,438/yr net price, Chamberlain University-New Jersey graduates earn $92,405/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $58,405/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $36,438 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $145,752 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $92,405/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$58,405/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.5 years |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,919 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $34,345/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $34,632/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $38,649/yr |
| $110,001+ | $41,740/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $71,315 | $22,213 |
Analysis
Chamberlain University-New Jersey runs one thing: nursing. Its bachelor's program in Registered Nursing pays a median of $71,315 ten years out, and that number carries the school. Graduates leave with about $20,919 in median debt, which nursing wages in the New Jersey and New York metro area can service without much strain. The return here is real but narrow.
The catch is the price. You pay over $36,000 a year, and unlike most schools, the net price climbs as income rises rather than falls. Families under $30k pay about $34,345. families over $110k pay $41,740. There is no meaningful discount at the bottom of the income scale, so if your family earns little, you still face a high bill and will lean on loans to cover it. Only about a third of students receive Pell Grants, so most of you are absorbing that full cost with borrowing.
The single-program focus is the main risk. Chamberlain trains nurses and nothing else here, so if you finish the program and pass licensure, the New Jersey job market rewards you and the debt clears fast. If you drop out, you get the debt with no credential to service it. The 71% retention rate means roughly three in ten first-year students don't return, and for them this is an expensive mistake.
This school fits you if you are committed to nursing, confident you'll finish, and planning to work in the region where those wages hold. Look elsewhere if you want any major other than nursing, or if you're unsure about the field. The upside only exists on the far side of a license, and the cost structure gives you no cushion if you stop short.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chamberlain University-New Jersey worth the high tuition cost?
With a net price of $36,438 annually and 10-year earnings of $92,405, graduates earn about 2.5 times their annual costs. The nursing programs justify the expense better than most for-profit schools, but you'll pay significantly more than community college nursing routes.
What is the return on investment for Chamberlain University-New Jersey nursing programs?
Nursing graduates earn around $71,315 annually with median debt of $20,919, creating a manageable debt-to-income ratio. The school's focus on nursing means strong job placement, but public nursing programs offer similar outcomes at lower cost.
How much debt do Chamberlain University-New Jersey students typically graduate with?
The median debt is $20,919, which is relatively low for a private nursing school. Most graduates can manage this debt load given nursing salaries, but compare costs with state universities that offer nursing degrees.
Are there better alternatives to Chamberlain University-New Jersey for nursing education?
Public universities and community college nursing programs cost significantly less while providing similar career outcomes. Chamberlain's main advantage is accessibility with a 90% acceptance rate, making it an option if you can't get into cheaper programs.